Overview of Nursing Schools in West Virginia
- There are 23 nursing schools in West Virginia. The CCNE accredits 9 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 13 schools in West Virginia.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in West Virginia is between 70.94% and 93.32%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in West Virginia is between 79.18% and 95.20%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in West Virginia can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for West Virginia
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in West Virginia
There are fewer than 20,000 registered nurses in the state of West Virginia. According to a recent study, less than half of those registered nurses have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is a need, now more than ever, for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who are trained to lead and manage other nurses. Nursing schools across the state of West Virginia that offer online classes as well as traditional campus settings in addition to distance learning options. Nurses are encouraged to seek information from multiple schools to make the best decision possible.
In our West Virginia RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key West Virginia RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of West Virginia, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
West Virginia RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 11 | 14 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 87.73% | 86.25% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 70.94% to 93.32% | 79.18% to 95.20% |
Nursing Programs Offered by West Virginia Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 22
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 6
- Nurse Educator: 2
- Nursing Administration: 2
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Practical Nursing: 1
West Virginia Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- West Virginia University: 4
- Marshall University: 4
- Marshall University Huntington Campus: 3
- West Virginia Wesleyan College: 3
- Salem University: 3
- Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program: 2
- Shepherd University: 2
- Marshall University Pt. Pleasant Campus: 1
- Marshall University Pt. Pleasant Campus: 1
- Bluefield State College Bluefield Campus LPN-ADN: 1
Best Ranked RN Programs in West Virginia
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both West Virginia and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 10 ADN degree programs and 8 BSN degree programs in West Virginia. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in West Virginia to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
- Davis & Elkins College
- Salem University
- West Liberty University
- West Virginia University
- Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program
- West Virginia Junior College
- West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- Marshall University
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
- WVU at Parkersburg LPN-ADN Program
- Marshall University Huntington Campus
- Fairmont University LPN-ADN Program
- West Virginia Northern Community College
Davis & Elkins College
Pass Rate
- 100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV - 26241-3996
- (304) 637-1900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 45
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,380
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,779
Percent Admitted: 69%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Salem University
Pass Rate
- 223 W Main St, Salem, WV - 26426
- (304) 326-1109
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 26
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $13,150
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 76%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,590
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
West Liberty University
Pass Rate
- 208 University Drive, West Liberty, WV - 26074
- (304) 336-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.15%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 148
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,345
Book and Supplies: $1,645
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,931
Percent Admitted: 68%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
Graduation Rate: 53%
West Virginia University
Pass Rate
- PO Box 6201, Morgantown, WV - 26506
- (304) 293-0111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.56%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2421
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,976
Book and Supplies: $950
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,852
Percent Admitted: 84%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program
Pass Rate
- 316 Washington Ave, Wheeling, WV - 26003
- (304) 243-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.97%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 28
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $23,662
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 42%
West Virginia Junior College
Pass Rate
- 148 Willey St, Morgantown, WV - 26505
- (304) 296-8282
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 13
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $400
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,300
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 59%
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Pass Rate
- 512 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV - 25801
- (304) 442-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.82%
- Programs:
- Award Levels:
University Information
Total Faculty: 88
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,728
Book and Supplies: $950
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,803
Percent Admitted: 55%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 47%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Marshall University
Pass Rate
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, , WV - 25755
- 304-696-3170
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.06%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Pass Rate
- 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, WV - 25403
- (304) 260-4380
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 89
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,128
Book and Supplies: $1,460
Percent Received Aid: 89%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,892
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
WVU at Parkersburg LPN-ADN Program
Pass Rate
- 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV - 26104
- (304) 424-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.90%
- Programs: Practical Nursing
- Award Levels:
University Information
Total Faculty: 73
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,890
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 84%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,929
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Marshall University Huntington Campus
Pass Rate
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (304) 696-3170
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.70%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 830
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,552
Book and Supplies: $1,100
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,947
Percent Admitted: 89%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Fairmont University LPN-ADN Program
Pass Rate
- 1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV - 26554-2470
- (304) 367-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 166
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,892
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,478
Percent Admitted: 94%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 35%
Graduation Rate: 35%
West Virginia Northern Community College
Pass Rate
- 1704 Market St., Wheeling, WV - 26003-3699
- (304) 233-5900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 54
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,300
Book and Supplies: $1,135
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,495
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
Grade
|
University
|
West Virginia Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
84.10 | University of Charleston | 9 | ADN |
77.30 | Bluefield State College Bluefield Campus LPN-ADN | 10 | ADN |
89.31 | Shepherd University | 7 | BSN |
88.99 | West Virginia Wesleyan College | 8 | BSN |
73.14 | Alderson Broaddus University LPN-BSN program | 9 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in West Virginia
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in West Virginia
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in West Virginia offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by West Virginia Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
West Virginia RN Licensing Requirements
West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
101 Dee Drive, Suite 102
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 558-3596
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50
License renewal (annual), RN: $65
Continuing Education Requirements:
12 contact hours per renewal period
RN Licensure by Exams
Candidates must complete a criminal background check before obtaining licensure. Candidates should schedule an appointment with L-1 Identity Solutions in order to meet this requirement. Scheduling can be completed online. The application fee is $51.50 and there is an additional $200 fee that is made payable to Pearson VUE, the company that hosts the NCLEX exam. There are two certifications that must be included with the application: someone who can attest to the good moral character of the candidate and one from the director or dean of the nursing program. A candidate may be issued a 90-day temporary permit after graduation but it will become invalidated if the is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam on the first attempt. In this case, the candidate will need to reapply and pay additional fees. After two failed attempts, there will be additional requirements that will need to be met before obtaining authorization again.
RN License by Endorsement
Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of West Virginia after submitting fingerprints at a local law enforcement agency.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases nurses who completed a program outside of the United States will also be able to obtain licensure in West Virginia. Candidates will be required to submit certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to applying to take the NCLEX exam through the Board. There is a $60 fee for the endorsement.
RN Salaries in West Virginia
The demand for nurses could grow by 23% by the year 2020 which may create up to 4,000 new jobs. Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree will find that they are well prepared to handle the constantly evolving industry. Nurses in West Virginia earn a median income level of $53,100. The specific wages are dependent on the education and experience level of the individual nurse. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses receive training in leadership and management, which prepares them for administrative positions within hospitals and nursing homes.
West Virginia Registered Nursing Salaries
The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest number of employed registered nurses along with the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.